Businessman Warns Suspension of Sacred Maya Journey Will Hurt Quintana Roo Tourism

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Businessman Carlos Constandse has condemned the suspension of the Sacred Maya Journey, an annual event organized by Grupo Xcaret for the past 20 years, warning that the damage extends beyond the company to the entire tourism industry in the state.

Constandse, a partner in Grupo Xcaret, emphasized that the rituals performed during the event have technical and scientific backing and approval from the relevant authorities. He noted that public access to the event has always been free, making it a tradition among residents of Quintana Roo.

“About 400 people actively participate in the journey, training six months beforehand. It is simply a ritual that we believed was a tradition carried out many years ago. After 500 years, we merely rescued it and showcased it in the best sense of the word,” he said.

Constandse questioned the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the use of Maya symbols, arguing that the symbolism used by Xcaret is shared by other cultural groups, so the harm is collective.

He stressed the urgent need for clear regulations governing such cases and warned of the consequences of ignoring the Maya heritage as the cornerstone of Quintana Roo’s tourism offering, stating that the state’s identity depends on that cultural root.

“That is why we say the damage is not only to Xcaret but to the entire tourism industry. All we are asking for is proper regulation, so that if there is something to comply with, it is complied with according to a regulation, not according to the decision of one or two people or lawyers who are not fully aware of the damage this can cause to our promotion in the world,” he urged.

Constandse made a direct appeal to authorities to carefully weigh their rulings, given the impact such decisions have on investment and economic development in the region.